2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2dr Coupe
Trim Info:
13 mpg city / 18 mpg hwy
Estimated Mileage
Miles
accurate info about this vehicle
Expert Reviews
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is a reverent reinterpretation of one of Mopar’s quintessential musclecars, the 1970 Challenger. A near clone of the well received 2006 Dodge Challenger concept, the super-high-performance, 425 hp SRT-8 is the first Challenger model to be launched. With a base price of $37,320, the SRT-8 will be the top of the Challenger line and will be joined later in the year by the less expensive R/T and SE variants, powered by 340 hp V-8 and 250 hp V-6 engines, respectively. As a first-year model of what could be a dying breed, the Challenger SRT-8 is rare, collectible and pretty damn cool, if you ask us.
Nothing says badass like a quartet of scowling, scalped headlamps, even if the centermost two are amber daytime running lamps (DRLs). The mood, flavor, sounds and acceleration each evoke nostalgia for all things shaggy. Road-holding, however - a notoriously weak aspect of early muscle cars - is mind-blowing, particularly when one’s SRT-8 is equipped with sticky summer Goodyear tires, a bargain 50-dollar option.
The dark, all-black interior is rendered in some mighty cheap materials. The rear-seat legroom is, well, as restrictive as one would expect in spite of there being three seatbelts back there. Steering is numb as your lower lip after getting a filling. And, oh yeah, there’s that atrocious, harkens back to the 70’s fuel economy.
DriverSide Impressions
Musclecars are expected to get out of the traps in a hurry, and true to form, the Challenger SRT-8 certainly does, with a claimed 0-60 time of a tick over five seconds. That said, we think that anything with 435 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque should be even faster. Blame the 4140-lb curb weight, evidence of the Dodge Charger sedan platform on which the Challenger is built. We also wish the steering had more feedback - or heck, any feedback at all. But the deeply bolstered seats are snug, and there is plenty of elbowroom for front passengers. Riders in back, however, will be somewhat claustrophobic due to the Challenger’s small, fixed rear windows and tight knee-room.
The Challenger SRT-8 has a 6.1-liter, V-8 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability - tap the gear lever left for downshifts, right for up-shifts. To return it to automatic, just hold it to the right for one second. The engine produces American-made amounts of horsepower and torque, and sounds sharp, refined and fantastically muscular under full throttle.
The 2008 Challenger SRT-8 will be a commemorative model, with certain key features that will not be repeated in 2009 (see sidebar). The SRT-8 also comes with a cool “Performance Features" display in the center console that shows any one of the following performance measures in real time: 0-60 mph, 1/8-mile or 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 braking distance, or four-way (front/rear/left/right) g-forces. Warning: that Performance Features display can cause addictive, I-can-do-better-than-that! driving behavior. For some levity, watch the fuel gauge.
Chrysler’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) team tuned the engine, transmission and suspension to a remarkably high level of performance. The Challenger SRT-8 also debuts SRT’s new “brake knock-back" system, which senses assertive driving behavior (such as on mountain roads or racetracks) and pressurizes the brake lines to bring the pads close to the discs for quicker braking response.
With fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city, 18 on the highway - and that’s with the EPA’s feather feet, the 2008 Challenger SRT-8 isn’t exactly what anyone would call green, even if any shade of green was on the palette. Then again, if you’re looking at a car like this, you probably don’t care, just like the 70s.
Interior
The optional moonroof is a must-order for claustrophobics that might not dig the Challenger’s dark interior and low-slung roofline. But the SRT’s 700-watt stereo is a paragon of clarity and deep, resonant bass. Chrysler claims that it is nearly impossible to blow the speakers. Your eardrums, well, that’s another thing.
The blocky exterior shape speaks for itself, but in fact, aerodynamic elements have been carefully honed, including the hood contours, the retro-chic mirrors, and the cool matte black rear spoiler. And those 20-inch wheels are as hot as this year’s Pirelli calendar.
The Challenger SRT-8 isn’t cheap in the grand scheme of things, but for this much horsepower, it’s actually not too bad. The base price of $37,320 includes everything but the sunroof ($950), a navigation/audio system with 20 gigs of memory for MP3s ($850), and the Goodyear F1Supercar summer tires ($50). The destination charge is $675. This is cheaper than most of other Chrysler’s other “SRT-8" products, if a bit pricier than most Mustang GTs. Then again, at 40 grand fully loaded - with guaranteed collectible status tossed in for free - the 2008 Challenger SRT-8 can be seen as somewhat of a performance bargain.
The Challenger is far from perfect, but we like it. After all, musclecars have one purpose in life: to go fast, and sound great doing it. The fact that the Challenger SRT-8 can hold onto the road with tenacity and has a great stereo should be seen as bonuses. Leave the carpooling duties to the sport-ute on the other side of the driveway.
For starters, the SRT-8 model alone will be offered as a 2008 model; R/T and SE models will be introduced as 2009s. Next, all 2008 SRT-8s will come with faux carbon fiber clear-coated hood stripes whereas the stripes will change to a matte black for 2009.
Inside, each front seat in the 2008 Challenger SRT-8 features an orange stripe on the seatback, a stripe that will turn red for 2009 models. Finally, a commemorative, numbered plaque on the passenger side dash pad will mark each 2008 SRT-8’s spot in Mopar history.
Want one? Better hurry. Only 6400 will be made for the American market for the 2008 model year, and most of them are already taken.
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2008 Barrett-Jackson to offer first GT500KR, Corvette ZR1 and Challenger SRT8 – Filed under: Car Buying, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford Barrett-Jackson has been the king of muscle cars the last few years. Hemi Cudas, Shelby Mustangs, and Yenko Camaros have commanded high dollar bids from car collectors all ar Source: feeds.autoblog.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Prototype Test Drive: 425-hp Hemi Muscle Car Returns for the 21st Century – Pedal to the medal, in the rain, on the track: perfectly challenging conditions to test 2008's brawniest new entry into the musclecar world-the return of a classic with the look and sound of power in plentiful quantities. Source: feeds.popularmechanics.com
New Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. Classic, Guzzling Hemi Models: Chicago Auto Show Expert Comparison – It's easy to wax nostalgic about the original Challenger, but not so fast: The original recipe wasn't without a bad taste or two. Time and tech should make the new SRT8 one of the most desirable cars on the planet. Source: feeds.popularmechanics.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8We've seen it before. A carmaker takes an iconic model from its past, updates the design, and adds the newest technology and safety equipment: out pops a modern interpretation of the original. The Volkswagen New Beetle, the Source: www.automobilemag.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - '08 Challenger SRT8 – 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - '08 Challenger SRT8The '08 Challenger is available only as an SRT8. Of more than 6,000 buyers who've already signed up, over half chose Hemi Orange Pearl. The other two '08 colors are Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl and Bri Source: www.hotrod.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Р2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8I remember being horrified as a teenager in the early 1990s at the sight of some model wearing bell-bottom jeans in a fashion ad. My mother was amused at my naivet̩ and explained to me that everything in fashion happens Source: www.automobilemag.com
That '70S show: Dodge's 2008 Challenger SRT8 is a fast blast back to the good old days – If you missed the 1970-74 Challenger the first time around or you miss the one you had, this is a chance to feel reborn. Source: www.autoweek.com
First Test: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – Worth the 38-year wait Source: www.motortrend.com
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy: Driving the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 – Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge, Driving, Autoline on AutoblogClick for more Dodge Challenger SRT-8 pics from John McElroy's driveA couple of weeks back I wrote a bit about the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. But to honor the embargo that the Publ Source: feeds.autoblog.com
Inside the Dodge Challenger SRT8: Quotes and notes from the media launch – In the auto journalism biz, one of the most exciting times is the media launch of a new vehicle--especially when the vehicle in question promises to push the fun meter to 10, as with the new Dodge Challenger SRT8. Source: www.autoweek.com
Dodge Challenger: The Retro-Flop Has Landed – In 1970, gas was cheap, horsepower was king and Dodge introduced a slightly stretched rebodied Barracuda they called Challenger. It offered huge engines that delivered pavement-scorching acceleration. After just four model years of poor sales, The Do Source: www.thetruthaboutcars.com
Comparison: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 – Time Travelers: Nixon may not be in the White House, but among the Big Three it's 1970 all over again. Source: www.motortrend.com
First impressions: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – So what's it like to live with the Challenger? Well, first, there's the rock star factor. Because the Challenger is so new and so highly anticipated, everyone wants to see... Source: cars.about.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 en route to dealers – Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Chrysler, DodgeClick the image above for more pics of the Challenger SRT8If you're one of the lucky 6,400 customers to lay claim to the 425 hp Dodge Challenger SRT8, we have good news. The first 1,000 special edition Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Updated Dodge Challenger photo gallery; review coming soon... I hope – By now, I'm sure a few of you are wondering where my Dodge Challenger review is -- after all, it's been a couple of weeks since I drove the car.... Source: cars.about.com
VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si – Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge, HondaWe've driven the Honda Civic Si, and have found it to be an entertaining vehicle to attack some twisties. A drag racer, though, it is most assuredly not. Sure, offering just shy of two-hundred Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Dodge Challenger SRT8 added to Leno's Garage – Filed under: Car Buying, DodgeClick above image for gallery of high-res shots courtesy Delbert ShoopmanLooks like late night television's most famous car nut is the latest person to fall under the spell of the new Dodge Challenger SRT-8. Autoblog fri Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Updated: Top Ten Cars for Dads – Since I'm on this whole Top Picks kick, I thought I'd get a jump on Father's Day by updating my Top Ten Cars for Dads. Most of my Top Ten... Source: cars.about.com
Meeting The Challenge(r): Dodge Succeeds in Building A Truly Modern Muscle Car - Flaws and All – A simple enough thing, the muscle car: too much engine plus too little car. You love ‘em, we love ‘em, and everyone who builds and designs cars loves ‘em. But not every company bothers to build them. Why not? Continue –> Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Challenger SRT8 Dyno & Drag Test Videos – Challenger SRT8 Dyno & Drag Test VideosNow on HOTROD.com, the latest videos on HOT ROD's evaluation, modification and full-on thrash of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.Check out the two videos now - the K&N Engineering Dyno Test and the 2008 Challe Source: www.hotrod.com
Test drive: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – So here it is, at long last -- my 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 test drive. As a rule, I try to avoid whining about how hard my job is --... Source: cars.about.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 – 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us Source: www.automobilemag.com
That didn't take long - supercharged Challenger SRT8 hits the dyno – Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, DodgeClick above to enlarge this shot and see the dyno graphWhenever a new performance vehicle makes it into the hands of eager customers, a run to the dyno never seems to be far behind. This has Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Mopar unveiling Dodge Challenger drag race pack on July 13 – Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Dodge2006 Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept With a name like Challenger, Dodge's new muscle car had better put down some serious quarter-mile times or else be able to propel itself into outer space. Fortunate Source: feeds.feedburner.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s still available – Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, DodgeClick above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8.For those of you desperately waiting for the next batch of Dodge Challenger SRT8s to be built after the announcement that the first 6,400 2008 Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Straight Line Hoonage: Dodge Challenger Drag Package – If, like us, you couldn’t justify the1,000 plus mile hike to Bandimere Speedway in Colorado this weekend, you probably missed the debut of the Challenger Drag Package. Fear not. We’ve got the juicy details. Dodge shaved a mind-boggling 1,000 lbs Source: www.autofiends.com
Blacked-Out Vortech-Supercharged Challenger Gives Us The Vapors [2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8] – Feast your eyes on one of only two Vortech-supercharged 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's — blacked out, naturally. The Challenger SRT8 already makes 425 HP with the 6.1-liter Hemi, but would you believe this supercharged monster is currently dynoin Source: feeds.feedburner.com
Dodge Forum – Interact with the Dodge community on the Dodge forums. Source: www.dodgeforum.com
Blown HEMI: SMS announces new 296 supercharger system – Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Chrysler, LLC., DodgeClick above for a high resolution image Steve Saleen grabbed our attention when he announced his new company SMS Limited and gave us a preview of his upcoming versions of the Dodge Challenger, th Source: feeds.feedburner.com
SMS Lets Loose The 296 Supercharger – Steve Saleen (yes, that Saleen) and SMS Supercars has just released the 296 Supercharger designed specifically for the 5.7 and 6.1-liter Dodge Hemi. The release comes just before the company will show off their 570 and 570X Challengers rocking, not Source: www.autofiends.com
Magnaflow Exhaust For The Dodge Challenger SRT-8 – We think the bone-stock 2008 Dodge Challenger sounds pretty slick. With all 6.1-liters of Hemi fury burbling out of the back of the car, there’s no denying the sexiness of the car’s song. Still, the scientists at Magnaflow know that the stock ex Source: www.autofiends.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Hopping Up The Challenger – 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 - Hopping Up The ChallengerWe got an '08 Dodge Challenger for a week and couldn't leave it alone. Watch as we bolt on some parts and give her all she's got on the dragstrip.The wait for the '08 Dodge Challenger release has Source: www.hotrod.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Review – There was a time when a muscle car’s only traction control was in your right foot; when the human utricle and saccule were the world’s finest yaw sensors. Sadly, those days are gone forever. Yes, but… Let's get one thing straigh Source: www.thetruthaboutcars.com
Feature: Ultimate Challenger Road Trip - Day 10 - Goodwood Video – Our epic 2943-mile Ultimate Challenger Road Trip concludes with a trip up the famous hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.... Source: www.motortrend.com
The Ultimate Dodge Challenger Road Trip – An American in London... and Paris, Stuttgart, Innsbruck, Turin, Le Mans...Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks. And no, we haven't been fooling around with Photoshop. That really is a Dodge Challenger SRT-8 parked on Waterloo Bridge in London, Engl Source: www.motortrend.com
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Europe Wallpaper Gallery – Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks, we really took the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 to Europe.Nope, your eyes aren't playing tricks. And no, we haven't been fooling around with Photoshop. That really is a Dodge Challenger SRT-8 parked on Waterloo Br Source: www.motortrend.com
A bigger Challenger – Dodge sticks giant V10 into Challenger. Tyres run scared Source: rss.feedsportal.com
SEMA 2008: Samuel Hübinette�s Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger – Dodge brought a quiver of Challengers to the party (as did about fully half of the exhibitors) but there was only one sitting on a spinning platter. To wit: Rhys Millen thinks he’s so special with his Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car, does he Source: www.autofiends.com
